Tunisian parliament approves Cabinet reshuffle

Tunisia's parliament approved a Cabinet reshuffle proposed by Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, despite large protests and reservations by the president.

During a late Tuesday session late, the parliament approved 11 new ministers Mechichi had introduced. He announced the reshuffle last week amid unrest due to high unemployment and poor government services.

The premier has been in office since September and is supported by several main parties and blocs in parliament.

Hundreds of protesters gathered near the parliament ahead of a parliamentary confidence vote to demand the release of about 1,000 demonstrators who had been arrested during anti-government rallies this month.

President Kais Saied had opposed the nominations of several of the new ministers, arguing that there are allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest surrounding them.